Mediation centre saves many from legal hassles

A year after it came into being, the Gurgaon civil court’s mediation and conciliation centre has successfully resolved 50%-60% legal disputes. According to a rough estimate, nearly 60,000 cases are pending in the Gurgaon court.

In this alternative resolution mechanism, the mediator (a legal practitioner) makes the parties sit across the table and helps them resolve the issues amicably and cuts down the pendency of cases significantly.

The mechanism is particularly useful for cases of matrimonial discord, alimony, divorce and compensation.

Parties reach an agreement on connected cases too. For example, in a divorce case, disputes on dowry and domestic violence are also resolved. When parties resolve matters at the centre, they are refunded the fee. Such advantages encourage people to opt for mediation.

Nutan Yadav, one of the mediators, says “Unlike in the court room where the atmosphere is tense, here people comfortably speak out their minds.”

Anju (name changed),25, separated from her husband in 2008. “I came to the centre and subsequent talks led us to an understanding. Now, we live together,” she said.